As we're set to kick off another busy landscaping season, I'm saddened to report the loss of an industry legend. Longtime business consultant Charles Vander Kooi passed away unexpectedly on March 12. "Chuck" had been one of the industry's most sought-after speakers and consultants. His estimating system and other management strategies have been adopted by many of today's biggest and best landscape companies. It is not an exaggeration to suggest that Vander Kooi, over the past 20-plus years, has played a pivotal role in helping the landscaping industry evolve to where it is today.
His flagship book from the mid-90s, "The complete business manual for landscape, irrigation and maintenance contractors," sits on the shelf in my office. I reference it often for insights and inspiration when developing story ideas. I've highlighted several phrases in particular that have helped guide our staff in developing editorial and identifying great companies to feature over the years. Here is one of those invaluable doctrines that all of you should keep in mind as this season takes off: If you are running your company dictatorially, you are running it with tunnel vision. There are things that are happening to you that you cannot see, and you will never see, because you are not allowing anyone around you to show you those things.
That was great advice for contractors back in 1996—contractors who were trying to figure out how to become owners and leaders in an industry that was still finding itself. Some 20 years later, it’s still great advice for today’s up-and-coming contractors who are now finding themselves in an industry that has come a long, long way—thanks in part to Charles Vander Kooi’s guidance.
A tribute from Tony Bass, a former contractor and founder of Super Lawn Trucks, also a writer, speaker and consultant. Tony Bass, founder of Super Lawn Trucks and regular contributor to Green Industry Pros, is one example of the impact Vander Kooi has had on entrepreneurs throughout the industry. Long before his days as a small business consultant, speaker and author, Bass was a landscape contractor. Long before contractors began coming to Bass for business advice, Bass was looking for an adviser himself. He found one in Charles Vander Kooi.
Bass writes, “Charles Vander Kooi has been my Mentor, my Teacher, and my business Adviser. A friend I already miss. A confidant like no other. A walking calculator with an ability to use comedy to teach in the most memorable ways. I clearly remember the first day we met at a seminar in Atlanta, GA, in 1997. It was clear from the first hour that he could help me improve the profits in my landscape company. So I made a commitment to become one of his best students. I'm glad I made that decision.
“I bought every book, every tape and every service he offered. My profits soared. I shared my financial statements with Chuck for years. The bottom line results I shared gave him the confidence to ask me to become a Vander Kooi Associate. I treasure the training he shared teaching me to become an effective landscape industry consultant.
“He will be missed by many. Charles often remarked in his seminars that he already worked out a plan for two words to be etched upon his tombstone: ‘Overhead Recovery’. Those of us who knew him personally will make sure this happens. Our industry has lost a legend. But his teaching and training will not be forgotten.”
A tribute from Gary Goldman, a former contractor and now consultant, writer, speaker and radio show host. I started my landscape company while in high school and continued it in college as way to pay for my education. After graduating with a degree in accounting, I decided that I wanted to stay in the green industry and grow my company.
I spent many hours developing systems, processes and procedures to help standardize the operation. I also spent countless hours trying to come up with a platform that would help us estimate more efficiently, recover overhead, account for all of our direct costs, and at the same time make a profit. I always felt that I was very close to achieving my objective, but there seemed to be something missing.
Than one day I receive a brochure from Charles Vander Kooi promoting an estimating workshop. The outline in that brochure covered every question that I had regarding estimating and overhead recovery. I signed up for the workshop, but like many small business owners, on the day of the event, I was too busy to attend.
I called Mr. Vander Kooi and he told me that I could attend a workshop when I had the time. My estimator and I got on a plane and flew to Colorado to attend the workshop. It was well worth the time and money. I felt as though I had hit the lottery. I finally had a system that I could implement, that would take the unknown out of our estimating practices.
Over the next several months, I attended many of Chuck’s workshops and seminars. He was our go-to guy. When Chuck visited my office and saw all of the SOPs that I had developed, our relationship evolved to the point where Chuck hired me to go on the road to consult with clients as well as to conduct some of his seminars.
Every industry has a pioneer. I always felt that Charles Vander Kooi was that individual when it came to the green industry. Whether in a workshop, speech or one-on-one consulting session, Chuck had a way of capturing your attention. His knowledge of the industry and desire to help propel it to the next level was evident every time I heard him speak.
I know that it was that trip that I made to Littleton, Colorado, to attend his estimating workshop that helped propel my company to the next level. Every time I am working with a client—giving a talk or conducting a workshop—I think back on the man who got me started in the consulting industry. Rest in peace, Chuck.
A tribute from Steven Cohen, former contractor and now consultant, writer and speaker with Greenmark Consulting Group. Chuck Vander Kooi was a remarkable industry icon in temperament, intellect and spirit. He was a wonderful business resource for all those he engaged with but more importantly, he built long-lasting friendships with his clients and industry colleagues. I will never forget the day when he reminded me that no two jobs are alike, it’s something that has been a golden rule for me and those I have mentored throughout my career. Chuck was not only a great consultant, coach, mentor and speaker, he was a pillar you could lean on for his industry wisdom and knowledge. Our industry has lost a great one! My condolences go out to the Vander Kooi Family.
